End of summer perfect for one last yard sale

Who doesn't love a good yard sale?

Not only can you buy items for a fraction of their original cost, but you can see some quirky stuff, and you get to meet some really nice resourceful and interesting buyers and sellers along the way.

With Labor Day weekend offering a last chance at strolling your neighbors yards for goodies during the summer, here are some key garage sale tips.

Tips for sellers

— Start early. Start weeks before the sale in gathering and pricing your merchandise. Look in drawers, closets, attics, basements, etc., to be sure you bring out all of the stuff you want to sell. And be ready early on the day of the sale, because no matter what time you say you're going to open, shoppers will be there earlier.

— Price things lower than thrift store and flea market prices, but make the starting price a bit higher than what you think people will pay so that they can negotiate a little. Pricing as you go saves a lot of time in the long run.

Knowing what your stuff is worth is important. So if you have something that might be valuable, look it up on eBay or check with an antique mall. If you have big-ticket items, have a bid box where shoppers can make an offer and leave their phone number. Then at the end of the day, if it hasn't sold, you can decide if you want to sell at the top price offered in the box.

— Advertising your sale is crucial. Serious shoppers plan their stops by the newspaper ads. It's a good idea to take a look at the ads other people have placed (maybe the weekend before) and pattern yours after the ones that stand out the most. Putting up signs at the right spots several days before the sale is important if you want shoppers to find you. Be sure to write the words — date, time and address — big enough for people to see from their moving cars, and make sure to remove them as soon as your sale is over.

— Schmooze with your customers. Let them know you're willing to negotiate and you're happy to answer any questions. The longer they stay, the more they will spend.

— Take a few minutes to clean items you're going to sell. They'll usually bring more money if they look good. If you have clothes to sell, hang them on a chain between two trees or borrow a clothes rack. Arrange books and CDs in a box or on a shelf so people can see the titles. Prop up art so people can get a quick look from a distance.

— Have a "free pile" of things that you just want to get rid of, and be sure to point it out.

— Be safe: Keep the doors to your house locked during the sale. And keep your money with you. Start with lots of $1 and $5 bills and a pretty good stack of quarters, and keep it in your pocket throughout the sale, taking money inside the house to a hiding place periodically. Having the sale with a neighbor or friend not only makes it safer, but also more fun, and a bigger draw since you'll presumably have more stuff.

— Sell coffee, lemonade, Cokes, cookies, etc. The longer shoppers stay, the more they spend.

— Things you should have on hand outside at the sale are: a cellphone, a yardstick or measuring tape, plastic or paper grocery bags, an extension cord and, if you have many clothes in the sale, a mirror.

— Have a plan for getting rid of the leftovers once the sale is over. Some charities will pick up and others have drop-off sites where you can take just about anything. Call around long before sale day to make these arrangements.

Tips for shoppers

— For the best selection, go early. For the best prices, go late. Either way, plan your route based on newspaper ads and signs you've seen to make the most of your day.

— Have a list of things you are looking for, along with measurements and sizes or other information that would be pertinent to your purchases. Know your sizes and your family members' sizes so you'll know if something will fit. With children's clothes, since they can vary by brand, it's a good idea to take a shirt or pants that fit and compare it.

— Be ready to negotiate. Most sellers expect you to offer a little less than what they are asking, so make an offer. It never hurts to ask. But don't be insulting with a dramatically low offer. If an item isn't priced, ask the seller what they want for it before you make an offer. Also, if you're looking for something specific, ask if they have it. It could still be in the house or maybe they hadn't thought of selling it.

— If you see something you think you might want, pick it up and hold on to it while you decide. If you put it down, it's fair game for everyone else.

— If you have children, give them their own money to spend. They can learn about money and a little bit about how to wheel and deal. Plus, chances are the seller will give them a better bargain since they are so cute.

— Dress appropriately. Wear clothes with pockets where you can put your keys and money while you're shopping — leaving your hands free. Wear tennis shoes or other comfy shoes.

—The serious shopper has some special equipment — a stash of plastic grocery bags that make shopping easier, binoculars so you can see yard sale signs with small print, a tape measure, a cellphone and a bungee cord — in case you buy something big and need to tie down the trunk. It's also a good idea to carry measurements of rooms and windows if you're looking for furniture, window treatments, rugs, etc. Take small bills and change. Garage sale organizers love correct change.

— If you see something you want but don't want to pay what they're asking, leave your card or a piece of paper with your best offer and your phone number so they can call you at the end of the day if the item hasn't sold.

— Inspect purchases carefully before you buy. You should assume all sales are final. If it's something that they say they'll take back if it doesn't work, be sure to get their phone number.